THE GRATEFUL SAMARITAN.
By Dr. R. R. Meredith
ONE “turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks; and he was a Samaritan.” Those who show most gratitude are often those from whom we have reason to expect the least. They were Jews, to whom were committed the oracles of God, and who had the temple, who went away ungrateful. The Samaritan, with only half a Bible, and excluded from the temple, “returned to give glory to God.” Gratitude, like help, comes often from unexpected sources. His gratitude was not unrewarded. The nine were cleansed; but the Samaritan’s restoration was hallowed by Christ’s approval, and now succeeded by another mercy—richer even than his inestimable cure. There is a health of the soul of which he now became a partaker. It is to be supposed that his life was henceforth devoted to the service of his Lord. His companions, having filled their vessels, have gone their way. He, having tasted, elects to dwell beside the stream forever. Thus would our Lord ever have us do. The gift, of all others, he would bestow upon us is himself. All others are given for this end, that we may seek him. Our gratitude must carry us into his presence. We can not send our thanks to him—we must take them. He who offers himself to you, as once for all he gave himself for you, will not have your thanks separate from yourself. Thankfulness is evermore the source of new blessings to the soul; it is the strongest motive to service here, and the best preparation for the spirit and life of heaven.—Dr. R. R. Meredith.